Tesla Bumps Model S Price by $2,500

The Tesla Motors Model S, now with even more sticker shock. Photo: Ariel Zambelich/Wired

The car of the future is now even farther beyond our reach.

Tesla Motors is raising the price of its incredibly awesome Model S sedan by $2,500, which is a relatively modest bump considering Tesla has been quoting the same prices since announcing the S nearly four years ago. Tesla notes the increase is less than half what you’d expect, given inflation and all.

If you pre-ordered a Model S, don’t fret, you’re locked in to the previous price, which started at $57,400 and went up depending upon the package you chose. If you’re thinking of a Model S, now’s the time to do it, because the price hike won’t take effect until January 1.

When the prices do go up, the entry-level (and still unavailable) model with the 40 kWh battery pack will go from $57,400 to $59,900. The 60 kWh variant will hit $69,900, while opting for the 85 kWh pack will cost you $79,900. As for the Performance Model S (the one you really want), you’re looking at $94,900.

On the bright side, you’ll get $7,500 back from Uncle Sam thanks to the federal EV tax credit. And Tesla is including the 12-way adjustable heated front seats as standard equipment, so there is that.